SINGAPORE is strategically placed to establish itself as Asia’s centre for medical research and healthcare. With an enviable combination of scientific prowess, a conducive environment that draws top talent from across the globe and committed support from the government, the Little Red Dot has the potential to become a powerhouse in this sector.

This is showcased by the recent Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 Plan, which saw the government earmark a record S$25 billion for this strategic initiative, a significant increase from 2020’s S$19 billion. Of this new budget, S$6.5 billion is dedicated to the plan’s expanded mission, which emphasises human health and potential.

Nevertheless, the journey is still evolving, and challenges like the “valley of death” in medical research need to be addressed head-on for the city-state to fully realise its research potential.